Oscillation generation



July 23, 1935. c. w. HANsELL 2,009,369

OSCILLATION GENERATION Filed June 24, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR CLARENCE W. HANSELL 5 r M a 44A 0M l. w 9H M N m fw M W 4 w BY /V .'7. @wf/L ATTORNEY c. W. HANSELL 2,009,369

OSCILLAIION GENERATION July 23,' 1935.

Filed June 24, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 y N mmllm- 5-0 eraf #far/1s zwi/:Mr

V INVENTOR CLARENCE W. HANSELL i ATTORN EY July 23,'1935. c. w. HANsELL 2,009,369

OSCILLATION GENERATION Filed June 24, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 @de Jfg'gJ- Amplifier v IQ. 5a /4 {'"1 um EFE /6 H l l J2 e r 24 f f F s s f6 Il f/ v I i I r l i 22 i i i i i *Pec'frL/ 50 xm mu! Z6 t@ Go/Q lL-L M EPO/ 52 aazf armut INVENTOR CLARENCE W. HNSELL Patented July 23, 1935 I 2.009.389 OSCILLATION GENERATION Clarence W. ll, Port Jefferson, N. Y., as-

signor to Radio Corporation of America, a

corporation of Delaware Application June 24, 1931, Serial No. 546,450 22 Claims. (Cl. Z50-36) tron path relative to the anode to cathode spacbecause the electrons are made to take a spiral path in traveling from cathode to anode.

This long path together with the finite velocity I of the electronsrsets a limit to the shortness of the waveA length o'f oscillations generated thereby. The oscillator of Barkhausen-Kurz, in which a three element vacuum tube is used with high positive potential on the grid and negative potential on the plate, is sufficiently light in Weight for portable use on aircraft but is subject to the defect that the losses due to electron impact must be taken by the grid which is poorly suited for dissipation of energy. This low allowable energy dissipation on the grid prevents a high power output and sets a definite limit to the allow# able voltages which, in turn, limitvthe electron velocity and prevent obtaining wave lengths as low as desire It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultra short wave oscillator having light weight and short electron path together with ability to stand high dissipation of energy due to electron impact so that much shorter waves and higher power may be obtained. This object is accomplished by employing an electron discharge device so designed and adjusted that electrons are attracted by the anode of the device only at a time when the oscillations of the anode circuit have raised the anode potential to a maximum. The time required for the electrons to reach the anode after they have been started toward it by the potential peak is then made substantially equal to the time of one half cycle of the anode oscillation or some integer times this amount of time so that the anode potential is near minimum or preferably negative -at the time of electron impact.

Thus, when the tube is producing oscillations efiiciently, the electrons will start toward the anode with low velocity, be accelerated to high velocity, by the anode potential, and then slowed down again when the anode swings negative so that they strike the anode at low velocity and cause low anode losses with correspondingly high power output .eiiciency 'I'hus I make use of the finite velocities of the electrons to cause the oscillations to take place.

In the ordinary three electrode tube eflicient operation also requires anode current ow to tential to more vthan `producing the oscillations. 'Ihis the anode only when the anode potential is near a minimum. In the ordinary case this is accomplished by applying to the control electrode or grid vot the tube sumcient alternating current poovercome the eect ofthe anode potential upon the anode current. In the oscillator which I now propose, the grid may remain at a xed potential and only the anode has` variations in potentialvat the output frequency. The time delay due to the finite velocities of the electrons is alone sumcient to provide the condition for efficient oscillation. However, in practica-the grid need not actually remain at xed potential with respect to the fila,- ment but may the output frequency. Depending upon circuit conditions this grid potential variation may help or detract from the operation of the tube but is not of prime importance in the production of oscillations. tential variation on the grid should with that of the anode so that it be in phase will assist in phase relation is opposite to that required in the known types of vacuum tube oscillators and is peculiar to my 25 present invention.

To carry out my invention it is possible to use have some potential variation at Preferably the radio frequency poto oscillate by causing anode current to flow and then tuning the anode circuit to a frequency such that the duration of one-half cycle is approximately equal to the time required for the electrons to pass from cathode to anode.

However, the two electrode tube is not an eicient oscillator and is limited in its operation to rather low anode voltages with correspondingly low output. A three electrode tube is capable of much greater efiiciency and power because the use of negative potential on use of much higher anode ing limiting due to an electrons.

When a three electrode tube necessary to apply sufficient overcome the effect of the grid in holding back the electrons and to tune the anode approximately to a frequency such that the time of a half cycle corresponds to the time required for an electron to move from the Once the oscillations have started, the eficiency may be increased by increasing the negative potential on the grid or lowering the anode voltage or both. In general, when changing the grid voltages without causinsuflicient number of is used it is only the grid permits the anode voltage to grid to the anode.

and anode potentials the difference between them to grid voltage ls thought of as being fixed and it is the lament direct current potential which should be changedV to increase the efilciency.

A four or five element tube may also be used for the production of oscillations according to my invention and in some cases may lhave advantages due to ease of control.

A further object of my present invention is to provide an electron discharge devicel in which potentials on different portions of an anode fluctuate in such a manner that after a certain portion has experienced a maximum potential sumcient to start a cloud of electrons toward it, from the cathode, as the electrons are about to impinge thereon the voltage on the portion has changed whereby fluctuations in anode. potential cause regeneration and sustained oscillation without the necessity for potential fluctuations `of a control element or grid as ordinarily used.

To accomplish the foregoing objects I provide an electron discharge device having an anode substantially a half wave length long, the wave length taken corresponding to the frequency of the desired oscillations. During oscillation, therefore, one-h-alf of the anode will be at a maximum potential'and the other half at a minimum potential. As the anode transfers potential waves at the velocity of light, and, since the electrons in traveling through the cathodeanode.

space have a much lower average velocity, the time they require to reach the anode mayvery well be equal to the time required for the anode to reverse its radio frequency potential. 'The portion of the anode which is at a maximum potential and tendsA to 'attract electrons'toward it will, by suitable dimensioning of the tube, be at a minimum potential when the electronsimpinge, thereby establishing the necessary condi-- tion for sustained Aoscillation generation at vgood eiilciency. v

To increase the eillcacy of the foregoing action it is a further object of my invention to provide'.

one or more grids about the cathode so biased that only peak voltages on a fractional part of*v the anode will attract electrons thereto.

Since the biasing potential, to fulfill the preceding object, will be of such a value that oscillations may not bel self starting, it is a further object of my invention to provide means for automatically, if ldesired, increasing the grid bias with respect to the filament from a small negativel value at the time when oscillations are started to a high negative value subsequently.

Still further objects of my invention are to provide means for modulating the oscillations so generated and means for directionally propagating the waves set up by the generated oscillations.

In the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only of my invention,

Figure 1 shows a cross section of an electronv discharge device and indicates the circuits for a preferred-form of oscillator according to my invention,

Figure 1a is a plan view of the anode used in Figure 1, y

Figures 2 and 3 are right angled sectional views of anotherform of an ultra short wave oscillation generator embodying the principles of my invention and utilizing an anode one-half wave length long, l

Figure 4 indicates a manner of modulating and directionally propagating the oscillations generated by the oscillators shown in Fi ures 1, 2, and 3,

Figures 5a and 5b disclose other systems 101.4

modulating the oscillations generated with my improved oscillator,

Figure 6 similar to Figs. 5a and 5b shows, in addition, means for automatically varying the grid bias of my oscillator, f

Figure 7 illustrates a receiver for receiving ciliations generated by my improved short wave oscillator, `and,

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate improved modulating circuits according to my present invention.

Referring to-Flgure 1, a form of oscillator lccording to -my invention is shown in which a cathode 2 is surrounded by an anode I which is arranged for water cooling to permit of high energy dissipation and correspondingly large voltage, current and power output.

As shown in Figure 1a, the anode circular loop placed around the grid and cathode and formed by suitably bending a section' of half round tubing, having a cooling fluid inlet I and a cooling fluid outlet l. Y The tubing also forms the anode support and anode electrical connection and is run through a seal from the evacuated chamber to the outside, where cooling nuid con-f y nections may be made. y g

. Cathode heating is supplied-,by current from source 5|) through leads 8. A grid` I6 is mounted in suitable'fashion between the'anode and cathode. A resistance 60 with radio frequency by pass condensers 'I0 serves to causela potential drop due to the current from generator I0 passing through .Y i. the tube fromy anode to cathode. This potential drop makes the illament positive with respect to the power is turned on which will permit oscilla-.-

tions to'start, after which the bias is automatically increased after the anode current increases` with the starting of theosciliations.

(comprises a For tuning the anode to maximum' radio frequency impedance, the by pass condenser Il is used toA cause' short circuit reflection at a point equivalent to van odd number of quarter waves froml the working part of the anode, that is, from the portion of the anode struck by emitted electrons. By pass condenser -Ilill is used in connection with the grid lead at a point approximately aneven number of quarter waves from the work-- ing part of the grid and serves toproduce sul stantially a tuned short circuit fromthe workingA part of the grid to ground so that little radio frequency potential is present'on the grid. As an alternative to this condition, an adjustment may be made such that some radio frequency potential exists on the grid having substantially the same phase as the potential of the plate. The plates of condensers Stand |00 shown in Figure l form a capacity to ground to which the cathode is connected through condenser 10. The capacity to ground is obtained through the space between the v condenser plates and the frame work of the assembly or shielding, which will surround it in practice. However, it is not essential for the operation of the scheme that condensers and IIO have a capacity to any particular physical object at ground potential The leads from the grid and anode form single conductorv transmission lines upon which standing waves may be developed. It is only necessary for the condensers 90 and llto cause a relatively large change in characteristic impedance of the lines at the points where the condensers are attached in order for the condenser plates to cause reflection as if the cont 2,009,869 densers were grounded through a relatively large capacity-at these points. The same-effect is obtained in any transmission line if there is an abrupt change from one size of conductor to another greatly different in size. Such a change in physi- I cal dimensions of the conductor always results in a reflection. If the change is to a lower impedance there results the equivalent of a short circuit reilectionwhereas if it is to a higher impedance there results an open circuit type reflection. The reflection is not 100%, but it is not necessary to have it 100% to carry out the functions described.

Withthis combination of tube and circuit the grid repels the electrons emitted from the cathode and will not permit them to pass to the anode except when the radio frequency potential on the anode adds to the D. C. potential supplied by generator 80 to give al maximum value. At this time electrons are drawn through the grid and accelerated toward the anode. However, by the time they reach the anode, the radio frequency potential of the anode has reversed itself and the electrons impinge upon the anode when its potential is least positive and preferably negative. This is the condition for sustained oscillation just ,as in the ordinary three element vacuum tube.

Of course there is a relation between the tube voltages and the frequency which must be sail:- fled, and this relation must be such that the time required for the electrons to travel from-the grid to the anode is substantially equal to the time of a half cycle of an oscillation.

As indicated, the portion of the anode structure between condenser 90 and the tube, including the anode portion surrounding the cathode and a part of the anode stem, is tuned for one-quarter wave resonance or some multiple thereof so that the anode is tuned for the operating frequency. For.

the anode stem 4', 4" and condenser 90 should preferably be a multiple of a quarter wave, and a second by pass condenser should be'located at the point where the water is admitted fromva rubber hose or other flexible connection.

If desired, the tube energy may be directly radiated. However, a transmission line may be coupled to points spaced along the anode stem and the tube energy taken from the line to an v,antenna system. In this event, the tube should be suitably shielded.

My oscillator shown in Figures 2 and 3 consists of a cathode 2 preferably of the heater type, since that form of cathode has a cylindrical electron emitting surface of large area and relatively low temperature and initial electron velocities. The anode 4 is supplied with unidirectional anode potential by a lead and support 6 connected substantially to the midpoint of anode 4. Anode 4 is preferably made one-half wave length long at a wave length corresponding to the desired frequency of oscillation. Cathode energy is supplied through leads 8 and, the cathode, grid and anode are suitably supported as shown upon glass presses I0, i2, lead 6 supporting the anode and column I4 supporting the cathode. As shown in Figure 2 the anode 4 encircles `cathode 2 in order to maintain symmetry in the space between anode and grid and increase the power output of the tube.

As so far described, pushpull oscillations will be set up in the anode since the upper and lower portions thereof will alternately be at maximum and minimum potentials. Assuming the upper half to be positive, electrons are drawn towards it from the cathode but, as they arrive, the potential or the upper han wurnave changed tot'` p minimum value .thereby satisfying' the condition. yfor oscillation generation.

To increase power output and the efficiency of A operation, a cylindrical grid I6 `is provided consisting of a wire helix i8 held rigid by suitable longitudinal wires welded to it. Biasing potential is applied to the grid through a lead 20.

By maintaining the grid or control electrode I6 at a suitable negative potential, electrons will be drawn towards that fractional portion oi the anode which is substantially, at a given brief time, at a maximum positive potential. During that brief time, electrons are drawn through the grid and accelerated towards that portion of anode which is at a peak of potential. With proper adjustment of the electrodes and potentials, electrons will larrive at the anode when its potential has changed from a maximum positive to a minimum value. The electronic current, therefore, strikes an anode portion when the potential is minimum, tending to drive the potential at that portion of the anode still lower, thereby satisfying the condition for sustained oscillation generation.

Since the value of grid potential to give best emciency in the generation of oscillations requires adjustment to such a negative value that oscillations may not start, it is desirable to adjust the value of the potential on the grid from a minimum negative value when starting, to a maximum negative potential during constant operation. In one method of doing this I make use of the arrangement shown in Figure 6 wherein a, portion of the output of the oscillator is taken, by means of a line 22 coupled capacitively, as shown, symmetrically about the voltage nodal point 24 of the anode 4, and fed to a rectifier 26. An initial biasing potential may be supplied by a source 28 through resistance 30 to the control electrode I 6. However, as oscillations-increase the voltage applied across resistance 30 from rectier 26 is made in such a direction as to increase the negative bias on the grid.

Modulation may be'accomplished by varying the plate voltage by means of a suitable relay or key 32 or, in the case of telephony by the Helsing system of modulation in the lead connecting the source of plate potential through a radio frequency choke4 34 to the mid point of anode 4 onehalf wave length long. Anode 4 may be entirely within the envelope 36 or preferably, it protrudes as shown. In order to directionally propagate the waves set up by the oscillations in the anode a parabolic reector 38, spaced an odd number of quarter wave lengths away from the anode 4 and preferably one-quarter wave length therefrom, is provided.

Cathode energization may be accomplished by the use of alternating currents as shown in Figure 6, or, as shown in Figure 4 by unidirectional source 48. If desired, as shown in Figure 4, a resistance 42 of proper value inserted in the path by which the anode current returns from the cathode may be utilizedv for giving the grid a negative bias with respect to the filament which will. not only allow the oscillations to start but which will serve to automatically increase the bias after oscillations have started. A short circuiting switch 43 or shunt resistance (not shown) across a portion of the resistance may be provided at times when oscillations are difficult to start. Rather than key the anode voltage, it may be varied, for modulating purposes, by means of potentials introduced through the action of ing currents by amplifier 46. As in Figure 6, unidirectional radiation of the waves generated may be obtained bythe use of a reflector 3l.

Modulation may not only be accomplished by varying plate voltage but it may also be accomplished as shown in Figure 5a by varylns grid lbias. Thus, by manipulation ot key 50y either the potential of source 5I or source 54 is applied to the grid i6. Because of the high negative potential imparted by source Il oscillations are, of course, stopped which will indicate a space whereas, application of s'ource 52 will allow oi' oscillation generation and indicate marking. Ii'

modulation of thetransmitter output.

Figure 5b shows a method of modulating the oscillator by means of the Helsing v'modulation system varying the potential of anode .14; and in which the grid bias will automatically lfollow the modulation to allow oscillation over a large degree of modulation. Modulatlng energy at circuit I applied to tube), varies the potential at point 5 and consequently the potential on tube l.

The vforegoing methods of modulation cause the frequency to be varied as well as the' strength of the emitted wave and either the variation in frequency or the variation in vamplitude or both may be utilized to obtain the response in 'a receiver. vIf it is desired to modulate only the strength of the emitted waves and to keep the frequency substantially constant I prefer to modulate the potential diiference between grid and filament. Figures 8 and 9 show two of a number' of methods by which this may be done.

' Thus, referring to Figure 8 by the action of a grid leak and condenser combination i1, the grid i6, due to rectied current flow of oscillatory energy from the oscillator will be maintained at a suitable potential with `proper choice of values for the resistance and condenser of the combination i1. This initial grid bias is varied by the algebraic addition of modulating potentials to the grid circuit through the acton of modulation transformer I9. The cathode or laments, of course, may be heated by alternating currents as indicated.

A possible alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 9, modulating potentials being applied to the input electrodes of a modulating tube 2i. Obviously variations in the modulation input cause the potential of cathode 2 of my improved oscillator to vary with respect to ground producing eifectively a varying grid potential on the grid I6 of my improved oscillator. In this manner, the strength of the emitted waves from myv improved `oscillator is varied in accordance with the modulation input.

In order to receive and translate modulated oscillations transmitted by any one of the oscillators so far described, a receiving system such as shown in Figure 7 may be utilized. This receiving system employs la three element vacuum tube having a positive potential on the grid and negative on the plate after the arrangement devised by Barkhausen. Adjustments of the tube voltages and circuit tuning are made until the tube approaches the condition 'for oscillation after the manner`described by Barkhausen and Kurz at thesame frequency as the transmitter. The combination of tube and circuits then form a sensitive regenerative receiver. Energy picked up on pick up wires 60 is fed through transmission line 82 through inductive coupling at 64 9,006,309 transformer u supplied with ampnnea mourant-7^" through the anode lead II tuned by a condenser il. Variation in anode potential' will cause the average grid current drawn to vary whereby an indication will be obtained in the receiver 1l.

Having thus described my invention, what-I ,claimisz .v

l. The method of signalingin 'asystem including an electron discharge device oscillator having ra cathode, 'a control electrode, a hollow'anode decreasing the anode voltageon the portions as the electrons arrive, modulating the oscillatory energy sogenerated, and radiating the modulated energy..v f

2:-The' methodV of signaling in a system includixgan electron discharge device oscillator having a cathode, a control electrode, a hollow anode surrounding said. cathode and control electrode which includes generating' oscillations by attracting electrons to portions of the anode and then decreasing the anode voltages on the portions as the electrons arrive, modulating the oscillatory energy so generated, and directionally radiating the modulated energy.

3. The method oi' generating radio frequency oscillations with an electron discharge device having a cathode, a control electrode, and an anode surrounding said cathode and control electrode, and an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel over the control electrode-anode space is substantially equal to the time of one-half cycle -corresponding to the tuning of the anode circuit, which includes biasing the control electrode so that electrons are pulled through the control electrode only when the anode potential is a maximum due to high frequency boscillation of the anode circuit.

4. In an electron discharge device. having a hollow anode and a cathode within said anode, the method o! generating oscillations which includes attracting electrons towards a fractional portion of the anode, and decreasing the voltage arrive.

5. Inan electron discharge device oscillator, having a hollow anode, a cathode within said anode, and a control electrode in the iorm of a helix intermediate said anode and cathode,'the method of generating oscillations which includes attracting electrons to portions of the anode only at times when the portions of the anode are subjected to a maximum anode potential, and decreasing the an'ode potential on the portions as electrons arrive.

6. An electron discharge device oscillator comprising an electron discharge device having an anode and a source of potential for said anode, and a cathode within said anode,.an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel between a pair of electrodes of the device is substantially equal to the time of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode oscillation circuit.

'1. An electron discharge device oscillator oomprising an electron discharge device having an anode and a control electrode within said anode, a source of potential for said anode, and an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel between said control electrode and said anode is substantially equal to the time of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode oscillation circuit.

45 on that portion of the anode as thel electrons 8. In an electron discharge device, a hollow anode and a cathode axially disposed within said anode and means ior suitably energizing same, said anode and cathode having suchdi'mensions that after electrons are attracted towards a portion of the anode, they arrive at said anode portion when the anode voltage on said portion changes to a value less than the maximum applied voltage.

9, In an electron discharge device, a hollow anode tuned to a multiple of a half wave length long, a cathode axially disposed within said anode and a control electrode between said anode and cathode and means for suitably energizing same, said anode, cathode and control electrode having such dimensions that the electrons attracted towards a portion of the anode arrive at that portion of the anode a time later when that portion oi the anode is subjected to a substantially minimum potential.

lO. In an electron discharge device, a hollow anode tuned to'a multiple of a half wave length, a cathode and a control electrode within said anode, and means for applying a potential on said anode and a bias on the control electrode such that only that portion of the anode which is subjected to maximum anode potential draws electrons thereto.

11. An electron discharge device oscillator comprising a hollow anode tuned to a multiple of a half wave length, a cathode and a control electrode within said anode, means for modulating the oscillations generated by the oscillator, and means for transmitting the modulated oscillations.

l2. In an electron discharge device oscillator, a hollow anode tuned to a multiple of a half wave length, a cathode and a control electrode within said anode, means for modulating the oscillations generated by the oscillator, and means for directionally propagating the modulated oscillations.

13. An electron discharge device oscillator, having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, the anode being tuned to a multiple of a half wave length, and means for automatically increasing the control electrode bias as the oscillations of the oscillator increase from a minimum to a maximum value.

14. The method oi generating radio frequency oscillations with an electron discharge device having an anode encircling a cathode and a control electrode, and an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel over the control electrode-anode space is substantially equal to an integer times Vthe period of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode circuit which includes biasing the control electrode so that electrons are pulled through the control electrode only when the anode potential is a maximum due to high frequency oscillation of the anode circuit.

15. An electron discharge device oscillator comprising an electron discharge device having a hollow anode, a cathode, and control electrode within said anode, and an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel between a pair of electrodes of the device is substantially equal to an integer times the period of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode oscillation circuit.

16. An electron discharge device oscillator comprising an electron discharge device having a cylindrical anode and a control electron within said anode, and an anode circuit tuned to a irequency such that the time required for electrons to travel between said control electrode and anode is substantially equal to-an integer times the pei riod of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode oscillation circuit.

17. An electron discharge device oscillator having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, the anode being tuned to a multiple of a half wave length, and means for increasing the control electrode bias in accordance with a change in amplitude oi the oscillations.

i8. In an electron discharge device, a hollow anode structurally designed to be tuned to onehalf wave length, a cathode within said anode, and a grid electrode intermediate said anode and cathode, and means for applying a potential to the anode and a negative bias to the control electrode such that only that portion of the anode which is subjected to a maximum anode potential draws electrons from said cathode thereto.

19. In an electron discharge device, a hollow anode structurally designed to be tuned to a multiple of a half wave length, a cathode within said anode, and a grid electrode intermediate said anode and cathode, means for applying a suitable potential to said anode at the midpoint thereof, and means for applying a negative bias on the grid such that only that portion of the anode which is subjected to the maximum anode potential draws electrons thereto.

20. The method of generating radio frequency oscillations with an electron discharge device having. an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, and an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel over the control electrode-anode space is substantially equal to an integer times the period of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode circuit winch includes biasing the control electrode so that electrons are pulled through the control electrode only when the anode potential is a maximum due to high frequency oscillation of the anode circuit.

21. An electron discharge device oscillator comprising an electron discharge device having an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel between a control electrode and an anode of the device is substantially equal to an integer times the period of one-half cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode oscillation circuit.

22. The method of generating radio frequency oscillations with an electron discharge device having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, means for maintaining said anode and control electrode at suitable potentials relative to said cathode, and an anode circuit tuned to a frequency such that the time required for electrons to travel over the control electrode-anode space is substantially equal to the time of onehalf cycle corresponding to the tuning of the anode circuit, which includes biasing the control electrode so that electrons are pulled through the control electrode only when the anode potential is a maximum due to high frequency oscillation of the anode circuit.

CLARENCE W. HAN SELL. 

